Astronomy A: The Physics of Stars (U00534)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 8 ? Acronym : PHY-1-AstA

General introduction to astronomy. The course emphasises basic astronomical and physical principles and provides a solid foundation for later courses in a wide range of the physical sciences. The main topics are Surveying the Universe (an introduction), Astronomical Observations, Stellar Structure, Stellar Evolution, and Star Death. This course is complementary to many aspects of Astronomy B (PHY-1-AstB).

Entry Requirements

? This course is not accepting further student enrolments.

? Pre-requisites : A physical science course to SCE H grade or equivalent is desirable.

? Prohibited combinations : Astronomy C: An Introduction to Astronomy (PHY-1-AstC)

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Undergraduate (School of Physics), (School of Physics, Schedule Q)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 1st year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 3 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
23/09/2005	14:00	14:50	Lecture Theatre 2, Appleton Tower	Central	Lectures on Mondays at 1400, Fridays 1400 & 1600 3 tutorials

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	14:00	14:50	Central
Lecture	Friday	14:00	14:50	Central
Lecture	Friday	16:10	17:00	Central

? Additional Class Information : In addition to lectures, students are expected to attend four one-hour tutorial/practical sessions M 1500 or F 1500, as arranged.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, the student should:
1)have a thorough understanding at the appropriate level of stellar astrophysics, the basic physical results used and the techniques employed;
2)have a clear physical understanding of the internal constitution of main sequence stars;
3)have a knowledge of how stars evolve from the main sequence, and the consequence for nuclear reactions and hence the chemical history of the Universe;
4)know in some detail the techniques of observation and signal measurement at various wavelengths;
5)understand the various processes that lead to star death: white dwarves, supernovae, black holes.